Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an oral antiviral treatment (not a vaccine!) for influenza, and belongs to a class of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI).

it can be used both for prevention and treatment of influenza. It can be used in adults and in children 1 year and older. Tamiflu is given orally, as a convenient capsule (75 mg) The dose for the adult treatment of influenza is a 75 mg capsule, taken twice daily for five days. One pack of Tamiflu contains a full treatment course of 10 capsules. Treatment must commence within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms for full efficacy. For post exposure prophylaxis the dosage is one 75 mg capsule daily for up to 6 weeks. Tamiflu is patent protected until 2016; the patent is owned by Gilead. Side effects : Rare but serious skin reactions and allergic reactions have been reported . Precautions : should not take TAMIFLU if you are allergic to oseltamivir phosphate or any other ingredients of TAMIFLU. TAMIFLU is normally not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding while taking TAMIFLU, talk to your doctor before taking TAMIFLU. If you have any type of kidney disease, talk to your doctor before starting TAMIFLU therapy. The use of TAMIFLU along with an intranasal flu vaccine like FluMist^®* has not been evaluated. However, due to the possibility for interference between these products, an intranasal flu vaccine should not be given within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after taking TAMIFLU, unless it is deemed appropriate by your doctor. The type of flu vaccine administered as a shot through the skin can be given at any time relative to use of TAMIFLU.